Plizio Visual Lab
Mindungsan Mountain
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Mindungsan is an 1,119-meter-high mountain located in Jeongseon County, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Its name literally translates to 'bald mountain,' referring to the lack of trees on its summit plateau. Instead, the mountain is famous for its vast fields of silver grass (Eulalia), which create a remarkable silver landscape during the autumn season. This ecological feature originally resulted from slash-and-burn farming practices in the past, which encouraged the grass to spread. Every year, the Mindungsan Silver Grass Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to witness the rolling waves of grass in the wind. The hiking trails to the peak are well-maintained and offer spectacular views of the surrounding Jeongseon valleys. Geologically, the mountain is part of the region's limestone belt, affecting the local flora. Mindungsan is a key destination for nature tourism in Gangwon and symbolizes Korea's unique highland landscapes.
- Location: South Korea
- Top sights: Jeongseon Art Museum · Yongcheonsa
- Nearby: Jeongseon (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -3 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 4 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 29 | 40 | 49 | 83 | 77 | 124 | 321 | 264 | 184 | 80 | 58 | 27 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to the mountain trails generally begins from Jeongseon, easily reached by rail or bus. The primary trailheads are indicated and accessed by a short taxi ride.
Best season
Autumn is widely considered the absolute best time to witness the iconic silver grass fields. Spring gives mild weather, while winter ascents can be harshly cold.
Terrain & paths
The ascent involves a mix of well-maintained earthy paths, wooden steps, and steep slopes. Near the top, the landscape opens into a largely treeless grassy plateau.
What to bring
Reliable hiking shoes providing sturdy ankle support are strongly advised for the trek. Layers of windproof clothing are essential, as the open summit is quite windy.
Parking
Parking facilities are typically provided near the main trailheads at the mountain's base. These lots can become extremely crowded early morning during autumn season.
Safety
Hikers should strictly stay on the designated paths to protect the fragile grass ecosystem. Monitor local weather closely, as storms quickly expose hikers on the top.
Time needed
A round-trip hike to the summit and back generally takes between four to five hours. Taking additional time at the top to walk among the tall grass extends the visit.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation is 1,119 meters above sea level
- Name literally means 'Bald Mountain'
- Home to 660,000 square meters of silver grass
- Annual festival is held every October
- Located in Jeongseon County
- Landscape shaped by historical slash-and-burn
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mindungsan Mountain (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mindungsan Mountain famous?
It is famous for its vast fields of silver grass that glisten silver in the autumn.
When is the silver grass festival held?
It is held annually from mid-September to early November during the peak bloom.
Is the climb manageable for beginners?
Yes, there are various routes; moderate trails take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit.
What does the name 'Mindungsan' mean?
It means 'bald mountain,' as the summit area lacks trees and features only open grasslands.
Is there parking available on-site?
Yes, there are parking lots for hikers at the base of the mountain in Jeungsan-ri.
Mindungsan Mountain: where is it located?
Mindungsan Mountain is located in South Korea.
Mindungsan Mountain: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jeongseon Art Museum, Yongcheonsa.
Mindungsan Mountain: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Mindungsan Mountain: why is it worth visiting?
Mindungsan is an 1,119-meter-high mountain located in Jeongseon County, Gangwon Province, South Korea.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in South Korea →
Nearby cities
Gangneung
A charming coastal city on the East Sea, famous for its spectacular sunrise views, vibrant coffee culture, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Donghae
The city of the sunrise featuring striking rock formations and deep mountain valleys.
Sokcho
A coastal city near Seoraksan National Park, a popular destination for hikers and tourists.
Goseong (Gangwon)
Goseong is South Korea's northernmost coastal town, famous for views of North Korea, lavender fields, and pristine beaches.
Hasidong-ri
An idyllic coastal area near Gangneung, famous for its vibrant coffee culture, wide sandy beaches, and scenic East Sea sunrises.
Jeongdongjin-ri
A legendary destination famous for having the world's closest railway station to the ocean and breathtaking sunrises.
Dojik-ri
A peaceful coastal village in Gangwon Province, known for its expansive sandy beaches along the East Sea and spectacular sunrises.
Sandaewol-ri
An idyllic coastal village in Gangneung, known for its fine sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the East Sea.
🗺️
Sangmaengbang-ri
A peaceful coastal village in Samcheok known for its pristine sandy shores and lush pine forests.
Geundeong
A picturesque coastal area in Samcheok, famous for its wide sandy beaches and dense pine forests.
Deoksan-ri
A scenic village in Samcheok, famous for its broad sandy beaches and as a filming location for well-known movies.
Hyeonbuk
A scenic coastal area in Yangyang, famous for its spectacular pavilions, pine forests, and top-tier surfing spots.
🗺️
Chogok-ri
Famous for its spectacular glass bridge over the sea and the popular Ocean Railbike route.
Yangyang
The mecca of Korean surfing and a place of deep spirituality on the East Sea coast.
Nagok-ri
A hidden gem on the northern coast of Gyeongsangbuk-do, featuring dramatic rock cliffs and deep blue waters.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Daegwallyeong Plateau
A high plateau in Gangwon province, renowned for its sheep farms, wind farms, and heavy winter snowfall, earning it the nickname 'Alps of…
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
A large sheep farm in the Pyeongchang mountains, known as the 'Alps of Korea', where visitors can feed sheep.
🗺️
Gariwangsan Mountain
A high mountain in Jeongseon, known for its ancient yew trees and as the venue for the alpine skiing events in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Udem Preservation Area
A preservation area dedicated to conserving the Korean Pine and other native plant species near the DMZ.
🗺️
Ujong Rice Terraces
Beautiful rice terraces carved into the mountains, showcasing traditional farming methods in the Gangwon region.
Seoraksan National Park
A national park in Gangwon province, famous for its picturesque mountains, waterfalls, and rare animal species.
DMZ Eco-Peace Park
A park near the Demilitarized Zone that has become a pristine nature reserve due to minimal human interference.
Nami Island
A half-moon shaped island in Chuncheon, famous for its beautiful tree-lined paths and as the filming location of the drama 'Winter Sonata'.